Phoenix International Raceway

Address:125 S Avondale Blvd
Avondale, Arizona

Phoenix International Raceway, located in Avondale, Arizona, is one of the more scenic tracks on the NASCAR circuit, with fans dotted along the mountain that overlooks the flat mile long speedway. Today, Phoenix International Raceway has a tradition that is unmatched in the world of racing. Armed with a rich history of many forms of racing, PIR now counts its two NASCAR weekends as hallmark events. The annual fall NASCAR weekend, now in its 20th year, and including races in the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series, the NASCAR Busch Series, the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, and USAC, is one of the biggest events in the entire state. In 2005, PIR added a second race weekend, in April, to its schedule, and fans have come to enjoy NASCAR's spring visit to the desert just the same. As fans might expect, the weather is one of the biggest assets at Phoenix International Raceway. Not too hot, not too cold, but just right for April and November racing. In both the fall and the spring, NASCAR fans flock to Phoenix to catch the action.

The PIR is uniquely shaped in a tri-oval, with a curve in the backstretch between turns two and three. In a recent poll conducted by Sports Illustrated, 12 percent of NASCAR drivers voted PIR as their favorite track. That was enough for a second place tie with Atlanta Motor Speedway. In 2005, a tunnel was constructed under turn four to give access to the infield. A fan favorite at the track is the Hillside viewing area on Monument Hill outside turn four. The beautiful setting of the PIR, and its western hospitality, makes it a favorite track for many drivers as well as fans.

In 1964 the Phoenix International Raceway was literally carved out of the foothills of the Estrella Mountains. It first served as a desert oasis for American open-wheel racing in the Phoenix area, replacing the track at the Arizona State Fairgrounds as an automobile racing venue. IndyCars made 58 visits to Phoenix International Raceway, with great drivers like Mario Andretti, A.J. Foyt, and the Unsers gracing its Victory Lane. Another great Phoenix International Raceway tradition began in February, 1977, when a pair of races on the track's oval and road courses were held in a two-day event known as the Copper World Classic. That annual event still draws some of the best racers from several different series to Phoenix International Raceway. In April, 1987, tragedy struck when a fire, started by a lightning strike, burned down most of the main grandstand. After the fire, repair work began as a three-story suite building was completed outside. In October 1st, 1988, the track's capacity for reserved tickets was up to 30,000, as Phoenix International Raceway came back from that sad day to bring a new era in racing to the Southwest. In 1988, NASCAR's Winston Cup Series, now known as Nextel Cup, made its first visit to PIR, and auto racing in Phoenix really became a major sporting attraction for the "Valley of the Sun." The first race was held on Nov. 6, 1988, and turned out to be a memorable one. The race was the first Cup victory for Alan Kulwicki, a tough-minded independent driver. Upon taking the checkered flag that day, Kulwicki turned around and took his victory lap backward, going clockwise around the track, giving birth to his now famous "Polish victory lap." In April 2005, Phoenix International Raceway moved to yet another level, when it hosted the "Subway Fresh 500" under new lights that produce enough to light more than 10,000 city blocks. The addition of that race to the NASCAR calendar gives Phoenix International Raceway two Nextel Cup weekends each year, including the traditional November date that comes in the next-to-last weekend of the Chase for the Nextel Cup championship battle.

PIR is easy to get to from downtown. Take I-10 west to Avondale Blvd (formerly 115th Avenue), and drive south (left) for 6 miles. You will see that the track is on the left. Traffic can be a challenge on NASCAR days, so be early and be patient. All parking onsite is free. PIR offers a Park-n-Ride shuttle service for the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup event. This is the easiest way to avoid traffic. Park-n-Ride shuttle buses can be picked up at Cricket Pavilion, 83rd Avenue, and Thomas Road in Phoenix. Exit I-10 at 83rd Ave to use this service. There is a fee of around $7 per car for parking at Cricket Pavilion. If you have a PIR-issued parking pass, you can park and ride for free. The shuttle buses will convey you to PIR via preferential traffic routes, offering you an earlier arrival to the facility. Trams are provided from the parking areas, and will drop you off on Oasis Drive.